JP5824032B2 - Adjustable handle assembly with locking mechanism - Google Patents

Description

(Cross-reference of related applications)
This application claims priority from US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 757,453, filed Apr. 9, 2010.

  The present invention relates to an adjustable handle, and more particularly to a pivotable handle having a lock mechanism that can be unlocked to allow the handle to pivot.

  Handles that are generally available and can be adjusted in position are limited in terms of simplicity of construction and ease of use in allowing the handle to be adjusted. For example, in some existing pivotable handles, the position can only be adjusted after loosening the screws in the handle to release the initial tension that holds the handle in a fixed position. This unscrewing is performed by rotating the handle around the handle axis, for example by unscrewing the holding rod. Thus, the handle can be moved to the selected position only when the screw on the handle is loosened. In order to hold the handle in the selected position, the user must retighten the handle screw to be in tension.

  Other types of handles that can be adjusted more easily do not have sufficient accuracy to control the handle position.

  Accordingly, there is a need for an improved pivotable handle assembly that allows the desired handle adjustment with a simple and easy operation that can be done with one hand.

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a pivotable handle assembly that overcomes one or more limitations in the prior art, or at least is a practical alternative.

  According to one embodiment, a pivotable handle assembly is provided that attaches to the support means. The handle assembly is a rotation prevention unit having a pivot axis, and when in the unlocked position, the handle assembly is rotatable around the pivot axis and with respect to the support means, and when in the lock position, the rotation prevention unit is rotated around the pivot axis. This is a lock mechanism that has a rotation prevention part, a handle hanging from the rotation prevention part, a push button and a lock release part, and locks the rotation prevention part in the locked position and operates the lock release part. And a lock mechanism that unlocks the rotation preventing portion to be in the unlocked position when the push button is pushed in, so that the handle can turn around the turning axis at the unlocked position.

  Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic perspective view showing a support device comprising two pivotable handle assemblies according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where any one of the pivotable handle assemblies of FIG. 1 is in a locked position. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which has the lock mechanism of FIG. 2 in a lock release position. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a camera support having two pivotable handle assemblies according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a photograph of exploded components in any one of the pivotable handle assemblies of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is a photograph which shows an example of the support apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a photograph which shows an example of the support body for cameras by one Embodiment of this invention.

  Throughout the accompanying drawings, identical features are denoted by identical reference numerals.

  FIG. 1 shows a support 20 comprising two pivotable handle assemblies 22, 22 'according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  The handle assemblies 22, 22 'are attached to a support bar 24 of any desired shape. As shown, the number of handle assemblies need not be two, but any number can be mounted on the support bar 24 as required. The support bar 24 can be any type of bar that forms part of the support 20. In another embodiment (not shown), the support 20 is provided with more than one support bar 24 as shown.

  Further, the support 20 may be any type of support, such as any type of equipment, eg, camera equipment, or other support that requires support and has a predetermined weight. it can. Further, the support 20 may be an exercise device, as part of a mechanical tool or machinery, or any other type of support, preferably an adjustable swivel handle as described herein. It can also be configured as.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, since both handle assemblies 22, 22 'are similar, only the handle assembly 22 will be described below.

  The handle assembly 22 includes a rotation prevention part 26, a lock mechanism (not shown), and a handle 28 depending from the end part 30 of the rotation prevention part 26.

  The anti-rotation portion 26 has a pivot axis 32 and is rotatable about the pivot axis 32 relative to the support bar 24 when the assembly is in the unlocked position. Conversely, when the assembly is in the locked position, the rotation prevention unit 26 prevents the rotation.

  Further, when the handle assembly 22 is in the unlocked position, the rotation preventing portion 26 is movable in a direction away from the support bar 24. Conversely, when the handle assembly is in the locked position, the rotation preventing portion 26 is fixed to the support bar 24 so as not to rotate.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, an internal tube extending along the pivot axis 32 is used to secure the support bar 24 to the anti-rotation 26 and still support when the handle assembly is in the unlocked position. Relative rotation between the bar 24 and the rotation prevention unit 26 is enabled. The handle assembly 22 is secured to the support bar 24 using any fastener such as a screw or bolt 36 having a washer 37 (shown only in FIGS. 2 and 3).

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, the locking mechanism is at least partially defined within the rotation stop 26. The locking mechanism is for locking the handle assembly 22 and unlocking from the locked position to the unlocked position, as will be described in detail based on the embodiment shown in FIGS.

  Unlocking and locking is accomplished by actuating a push button 38 at the distal end 30 of the handle assembly 22. More specifically, the button 38 unlocks the handle assembly 22 when the user is pushed toward the rotation stop 26 by applying a pushing action, which allows the user to move against the support bar 24. By rotating the rotation prevention unit 26, the handle 28 can be turned.

  Referring further to FIG. 1, the handle 28 has an upper portion 29 and a lower portion 31. The upper portion 29 is connected to the end portion 30, and the lower portion 31 forms a portion that grips the handle 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 28 hangs radially outward from the distal end 30, but in other embodiments (not shown), the handle 28 protrudes outward along the pivot axis 32.

  As described below, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the support bar 24 has a mating surface 34 that can mesh with the rotation stop 26 when the assembly is in the locked position. it can. The rotation stop 26 also defines a corresponding surface. In one embodiment, this mating surface is provided by a mating portion (not shown) attached to the support bar 24.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the rotation blocking portion 26 can prevent any relative rotation about the pivot axis 32 and relative to the support bar 24 by providing a rotation blocking element (not shown). This element may be, for example, a rubber band, groove, or any other type of friction that causes any rotation due to friction generated at the contact surface between the support bar 24 and the rotation stop 26. It can be an element that can be blocked. As an alternative, this anti-rotation element is provided by a mating surface 34.

  Next, FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the locking mechanism in either of the pivotable handle assemblies 22 or 22 ′ in FIG. 1 is in the locked position (also referred to as the release position of the push button 38). Indicates.

  As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the anti-rotation portion 26 of FIG. 1 is configured as a mating portion 44 that engages a mating surface 46 ′ defined by a second mating portion 42. Have. These two mating portions 42, 44 engage at the interface between the respective mating surfaces 46, 46 'when the assembly is in the locked position to lock the relative rotation.

  More specifically, when the handle assembly 22 is in the locked position, the mating portions 42, 44 prevent any rotation due to the mating surfaces 46, 46 'meshing with each other. Thereby, the rotational movement in one of the meshing portions 42 and 44 is prevented with respect to the other meshing portion 42 and 44.

  A locking mechanism 40 that switches between a locked position and an unlocked position is defined between the mating portions 42, 44, and in the illustrated embodiment, partially defined within each mating portion 42, 44. The meshing portions 42, 44 allow the meshing surfaces 46, 46 'to mesh with each other.

  More specifically with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the locking mechanism 40 has an inner bore 48 that extends along the pivot axis 32 and is defined by an elongated hollow tube 50. The tube 50 enters the support bar 24 at the base end portion 52, whereby the base end portion 34 (see FIG. 1) of the meshing portion 42 can be fixed to the support bar 24. The tube 50 is attached to the support bar 24 by using washers 37 and bolts 36. The opposite end 54 of the tube 50 projects into the upper portion 29 of the handle 28. The tube 50 is secured to the mating portion 42 and the mating portion 44 can rotate on the tube 50.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the handle 28 is secured to the distal end 30 (see FIG. 1) of the mating portion 44 that also enters the upper portion 29 of the handle 28.

  The locking mechanism 40 includes a plunger 60, which has a distal end portion 62 and a proximal end portion 64 opposite to the distal end portion 62. The plunger 60 moves in a bore 48 formed by the tube 50. Movement of the plunger 60 within the bore 48 is performed by applying a lateral force from the end 62 to the plunger 60. Such a force is generated by actuating the push button 38, and this push button 38 is linked to the lock mechanism 40 and transmits the pushing motion applied to the push button 38 to the plunger 60.

  More specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the push button 38 is located at the distal end 62 of the plunger 60. In the locked position shown in FIG. 2, biasing means, for example, one or more springs 70 bias the push button 38 outwardly of the tube 50, thereby further biasing the locking mechanism 40 to the locked position. The biasing means (in this case the spring 70) is arranged between the push button 38 and the biasing stopper 71 defined in the engagement portion 44.

  When no push action is applied to the push button 38, the button 38 pulls the plunger 60 out of the tube 50, i.e., outwards away from the mating portion 44 (or support bar 24).

  In order to switch to the release lock position shown in FIG. 3, the user applies a pushing operation to the button 38. In this case, again, the button 38 transmits a pushing action to the distal end 62 of the plunger 60, which moves in the bore 48 toward the mating portion 42 (or support bar 24) and along the pivot axis 32. To do.

  2 and 3, the lock mechanism 40 has a lock release part 72. Inward and outward movement of the plunger 60 activates the lock release 72 in one of two positions: a position to lock the handle assembly 22 and a position to unlock.

  For example, in one position of the lock release part 72 shown in FIG. 2, the assembly is locked. In this case, the engagement portion 44 (and the handle 28 attached to the engagement portion 44) cannot be pulled away from the engagement portion 42, so that the engagement portions 42, 44 do not separate from each other at the engagement surfaces 46, 46 '. Since the meshing surfaces 46 and 46 ′ are kept connected to each other, the meshing surfaces 46 and 46 ′ lock both meshing portions 42 and 44, thereby preventing rotation about the pivot axis 32.

  In the other second position of the lock release 72 shown in FIG. 3, the handle assembly 22 is unlocked. In this case, the engagement portion 44 and the handle 28 can be pulled away from the engagement portion 42, thus separating the engagement portions 42, 44 from each other at the engagement surfaces 46, 46 '. In this way, the meshing portions 42, 44 can move freely relative to each other and can rotate relative to each other.

  2 and 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the lock release 72 has a retaining piece, such as a ball bearing 74, which is defined in the tube 50 and is internally recessed. Via an opening 78 adjacent to the point 76, it is partially movable within the internal recess 76 of the mating portion 44 and into the bore 48 of the tube 50.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the button 38 is released (ie, the pushing operation is not applied to the button 38), the locking mechanism 40 is biased to the locked position. That is, the plunger 60 is pulled outward along the pivot axis 32 so as to be separated from the meshing portion 42 (or the support bar 24). This outward movement further moves the ball bearing 74 through the opening 78 and partially retains the ball bearing 74 in the internal recess 76. When in this position, the ball bearing 74 effectively prevents the engagement portion 44 (and handle 28) from moving laterally away from the engagement portion 42 (or support bar 24) along the pivot axis 32. To do. Thereby, the meshing portions 42 and 44 are maintained in a locked state with the meshing surfaces 46 and 46 '.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the button 38 is pushed in (that is, pushing action is applied to the button 38), the lock mechanism 40 moves from the lock position to the lock release position. That is, the plunger 60 moves inward toward the meshing portion 42 along the pivot axis 32. This inward movement causes the ball 74 to move out of the internal recess 76 and partially through the opening 78 and into the bore 48 of the tube 50. Ball bearing 74, when in this position, allows engagement portion 44 (and handle 28) to move laterally away from engagement portion 42 (or support bar 24) along pivot axis 32. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 3, the meshing portions 42 and 44 are separated from each other, and the meshing surfaces 46 and 46 'are separated from each other. This separation of the mating surfaces 46, 46 ′ allows the mating portions 42, 44 to rotate with respect to each other, thus allowing the handle 28 to rotate about the pivot axis 32.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the plunger 60 has a recess 82 that is closest to the proximal end portion 64 of the plunger 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal end 64 is inclined inwardly toward the distal end 62 of the plunger 60. The recess 82 ensures that the ball bearing 74 can fully move into the bore 48 as the plunger 60 moves inward, thereby freeing from the internal recess 76 and unlocking the handle assembly 22. . Similarly, the recess 82 ensures that the ball 74 can be fully transferred into the internal recess 76 when the plunger 60 is returned outwardly by the spring 70. As a result, the ball bearing 74 locks the meshing portion 44 of the handle assembly 22.

  It should be noted that in the embodiment described above, the diameter of the opening 78 is slightly larger than the diameter of the ball 74 to limit play within the locking mechanism 40. The size of the internal recess 76 is also set based on the size of the ball bearing 74.

  Further, in order to use a plurality of ball bearings 74, the tube 50 can be provided with a plurality of openings 78 as described above, and the mating portion 44 can be provided with a plurality of internal recesses 76. In the illustrated embodiment, only two of each is shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 2 and 3, but the lock release 72 has three ball bearings 74, three internal recesses 76, and three openings 78, respectively. Further, a recess 82 defined on the opposite side of the plunger 60 from the distal end 62 is formed by a conical end in the plunger 60 in one embodiment.

  2 and 3 further, in one embodiment, a stopper 80 is provided in the bore 48 to limit the inward movement of the plunger 60 within the bore 48. This stopper can be provided by the internal shape of the bore 48 or by the inner peripheral edge formed on the tube 50. Such a stopper exerts a reaction force on the plunger 60, which causes the engagement portion 44, along with the handle 28, to be free with respect to the support bar 24 (also with respect to the engagement portion 42 having the engagement surface 46 '). Make sure to move relative to.

  In one embodiment, the mating portions 42, 44 have indentations 84 on their respective mating surfaces 46, 46 ′. Such notches 84 cooperate with each other to lock the mating portions 42, 44 in the locked position when the mating surfaces 46, 46 'are joined. These notches can be in the form of alternating protrusions and grooves, or gears.

  The locking mechanism 40 described above can be composed of parts made of different materials such as steel and plastic. In one embodiment, at least the tube 50, plunger 60 and ball 74 are constructed of stainless steel. Further, a metal lining may be provided to strengthen the internal recess 76 in the lock release portion 72. Other modifications can be implemented depending on the desired application.

  2 and 3, in one embodiment, the tube 50 allows access from the proximal end 52 to the plunger 60. For example, a hexagon wrench (Allen key) can be inserted into the tube 50 for adjustment purposes during manufacture of the handle assembly 22 or to adjust the plunger after it has been installed. FIG. 2 also shows the adjustment screw 81 of the plunger 60.

  FIG. 4 shows a camera support 100, which has two pivotable handle assemblies similar to the handle assemblies 22, 22 'described above in connection with FIGS. Is provided.

  The support 20 has a support bar 24 and handle assemblies 22, 22 ', as shown in FIG. An adjustable secondary support 102 having an adjustment knob 104 is attached to the lower portion of the support bar 24 for secondary support and adjustment.

  A camera platform 110 is mounted on the support bar 24 so that the camera equipment can be supported on the platform. The platform 110 is provided with various adjustment functions and camera holding elements.

  The shoulder mount 120 is suspended from the end of the platform 110 opposite to the support bar 24 and the handle assemblies 22, 22 'side. The shoulder mount 120 is placed on the shoulder of the user. In this way, the user can use the handle 28 in any desired orientation while stably supporting the camera device on the shoulder. That is, the handle 28 can be accessed from the front side of the user and can be adjusted in orientation with respect to the support and the user.

  As an example, the user can adjust the orientation of the handle 28 with one hand. That is, in this case, the handle assembly 22 is unlocked by pushing the button 38 with the thumb, and the handle 28 is gripped by the remaining fingers, and the handle 28 is pulled apart and rotated to a desired position. When the thumb 28 is released from the button 38, the handle 28 is locked at that position.

  FIG. 5 is a photograph of disassembled components in either of the pivotable handle assemblies according to one embodiment of FIGS. Each component is indicated by a corresponding reference numeral. As shown, the plunger 60 does not have an adjustment screw 81 in this case.

  FIG. 6 is a photograph showing an example of a support device as schematically shown in FIG. In this case, an additional mounting device on the support bar 24 is used so that any device or equipment can be attached and supported.

  Next, FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 7 is a photograph showing an example of the camera support as shown in FIG. As shown, the camera support in this case has a plurality of secondary adjustable supports, for example, support bars that can be extended and retracted.

  The photographs of FIGS. 5-7 show a special design of the handle assembly, with the mating portions 42, 44 having a cylindrical shape.

  While the preferred embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments within the scope of the invention. Such changes can be considered as possible modifications falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims (8)

A pivotable handle assembly for attachment to a support,
A rotation prevention unit having a pivot axis, wherein when the rotation prevention unit is in the unlocked position, the rotation prevention unit is rotatable around the pivot axis and with respect to the support ; The rotation prevention unit for preventing rotation; and
A handle depending from the rotation preventing part;
A locking mechanism having a push button and a lock releasing part, wherein the rotation preventing part is locked when the rotation preventing part is locked in the locked position and when the push button is pushed to operate the lock releasing part; The lock mechanism, so that the handle can be turned around the turning axis at the unlocked position; and
Equipped with a,
The rotation blocking portion includes a tube fixed to the support, the tube includes an inner bore, the locking mechanism includes a plunger, and the plunger is adjacent to the push button. An end portion, and when the push operation is transmitted to the first end portion of the plunger via the push button, the inner bore is movable from the lock position to the unlock position,
The lock release portion includes a ball bearing, the inner bore includes an opening, and the rotation blocking portion defines an internal recess at least partially communicating with the opening, and the ball bearing is disposed on the plunger. When applying the pushing operation, it is configured to escape from the internal recess and descend into the inner bore,
The handle assembly includes a mating surface that meshes with a surface of the rotation preventing portion,
The surface has a notch that engages the mating surface at the locked position;
The rotation preventing portion can be freely separated from the support body at the unlocked position, whereby the surface of the rotation prevention portion can be released from the meshing state with the meshing surface of the support body. , Handle assembly.   The handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism includes a biasing unit that biases the rotation prevention unit to the lock position. The handle assembly according to claim 2 , wherein the biasing means comprises a spring. 3. The handle assembly according to claim 2 , wherein the push button is partially inserted into the rotation prevention portion when the push button is pushed, and the rotation prevention portion has a bias stopper, A bias assembly is a handle assembly configured to be disposed between the push button and the bias stopper in the rotation preventing portion. The handle assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising an engagement portion attached to the support, wherein the engagement portion has the engagement surface. 2. The handle assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the plunger has an inwardly inclined end opposite to the first end, and the inwardly inclined end causes the pushing operation to the plunger. A handle assembly in which the ball bearing is configured to move out of the internal recess when adding the pressure. The handle assembly according to claim 6 , wherein the inwardly inclined end comprises a conical end. 2. The handle assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the inner bore has two opposite ends, and one of the two opposite ends has a stopper on the support. The other of the opposite ends of the first is adjacent to the push button, and the stopper prevents the plunger from moving further within the inner bore and exerts a reaction force on the plunger, the reaction force, A handle assembly for ensuring that the rotation preventing part and the handle move freely relative to the support.

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